[Archangelsk]

The question is: WHY?

Because there is a valuable energy source, helium 3, that is waiting to be exploited. You can read about it here.

I don't need an inarticulate fighter jock...

I'm quite sure our pilots in the Gulf would disagree with you. :-)

[Atlas Sneezed]

"Because there is a valuable energy source, helium 3, that is waiting to be exploited."

Nifty. Now explain why MY tax dollars should go toward this boondoggle that the free market would never touch, when there is plenty of energy on earth, and saving money will leave more for the free market to develop improved sources.